December 9, 2021

People with lupus can be immunocompromised because of the disease itself or medications that suppress the immune system and some may not be adequately protected from COVID-19. A new treatment will soon be available for them.

Evusheld was granted Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 prevention by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in individuals 12 years and older with immunocompromising conditions who may not mount an adequate immune response from COVID-19 vaccination. This includes those taking immunosuppressive medications or those for whom vaccination is not recommended.

The Authorization was based on pivotal Phase III data showing at least six months of protection with one dose in a high-risk participant population.  Evusheld is a combination of two long-acting monoclonal antibodies and is the only antibody therapy authorized in the U.S. to prevent infection before a person is exposed to the virus. It is  injected directly into a muscle in the same way as other vaccines to allow the medication to be absorbed into the bloodstream quickly.

To learn more, click here for the press release from AstraZeneca.